Cashing in on multi-touch multi-user
For Paolo Pedrazzoli there's a channel opportunity in multi-touch technology
Differentiation is naturally high on most channel company agendas. And while the focus has primarily been on new software over the past few years, attention is returning to hardware innovation – one example being the expansion of multi-touch offerings.
It is attracting the interest of a wide variety of systems integrators and designers worldwide, not to mention equipment vendors. Some are start-ups, with others being more established, larger systems integrators.
Some have realised this is not only a new revenue stream but one that opens up some new markets above and beyond everyday enterprise IT.
We're all familiar with single or dual-touch technology as an intuitive way to communicate or access information.
Multi-touch technology takes that a step further, creating an interactive multi-user experience that can be applied to all kinds of environments.
These include retail, automotive, way finders and information points, collaboration tools for businesses, corporate hospitality, entertainment venues, exhibitions, gaming tables, museums and art galleries.
Many touch points can be supported on a screen, meaning that several people can use it at the same time. Screen sizes vary and are typically incorporated into wall-mounted or table-top designs.
Retailers are one of the biggest adopters, but the technology can also be used in enterprise applications to train employees, or by businesses when communicating with their customers and partners, perhaps as part of a demonstration area at a company headquarters.
Nor do multi-touch solutions have to be standalone. System designers are increasingly integrating them with back-office functions, including CRM systems, stock databases, delivery and purchasing systems, plus linking them to barcode scanners, QR codes and even mobile applications.
This can help create more seamless, end-to-end processes.
What makes a great touch experience? Of course, technology is just one element to consider. We asked some of our partners about best practice.
Feedback suggests that wall-mounted may be easier where space is constricted, but table-top designs are better at drawing attention and make it easy for several people to work together simultaneously in an interactive way.
Touch technology should be viewable even in bright light, and unaffected by other lighting issues.
Obviously it must be robust and reliable. An unresponsive screen is frustrating, so make sure it is fast and consistent. If high user traffic is expected, look for a sturdy system that can simply be set and essentially forgotten about.
Touch technology is all about interactivity and intuitiveness, so the software must be easy to use, without training or explanation.
Look for specialists in natural user interface design and think about how the software supports a collaborative, multi-user environment. Also consider that other systems or technologies may have to be integrated, whether now or in the future.
Most suppliers and their customers are still at the learning stage of using multi-touch technology. So while the potential is there, cloud collaboration between equipment vendors and their channel partners is essential.
Paolo Pedrazzoli is EMEA marketing operations manager at 3M Touch Systems